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Excessive ForceU.S. Supreme Court · 1985

Tennessee v. Garner

471 U.S. 1 (1985)
PLAIN ENGLISH

Police cannot shoot a fleeing suspect just because they're running away. They can only use deadly force to stop a fleeing person if that person poses a serious danger to others — not just to prevent an escape.

LEGAL HOLDING

Police may not use deadly force to prevent the escape of a fleeing suspect unless the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious physical injury to the officer or others.

WHY IT MATTERS

Limits when police can use deadly force against fleeing suspects. Running away from police alone is not enough justification for shooting.

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